DATE=5/1/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=TERRORISM REPORT (L)
NUMBER=2-261872
BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: A new U-S government report says the sources
of terrorism are shifting from the Middle East to
countries in South Asia, and from politically
motivated acts to those inspired by religion and
ideology. Correspondent Nick Simeone reports on the
State Department's annual survey of terrorism around
the world.
TEXT: The State Department report identifies South
Asia as a new hub of international terrorism, in
particular Afghanistan, where the ruling Taleban
continues to provide safe haven for Osama Bin Laden,
the accused mastermind of two U-S embassy bombings in
Africa in 1998.
The report also singles out Pakistan for sending what
are called mixed messages on terrorism. But, like
Afghanistan, Pakistan was not included on the U-S list
of terrorist sponsoring nations. Ambassador Michael
Sheehan is the Clinton administration's top counter-
terrorism coordinator.
// SHEEHAN ACT //
On the one hand, they'll cooperate with extradition,
they provide good security for our embassies, we have
a good relationship on a broad range of security
issues. But on the other hand, they have
relationships both with Kashmiri groups and with the
Taleban in Afghanistan that are troubling.
// END ACT //
Afghanistan wasn't added to the list because
Washington does not recognize the Taleban as the
country's government.
// SECOND SHEEHAN ACT //
Although the Taleban, I do not believe, is hostile to
the United States, in fact they repeatedly tell me
they want good relations with the United States and I
believe that to be a sincere desire. However, within
the territory that they control, there are numerous
terrorist organizations that directly threaten the
United States, that directly undermine the security of
the region and other parts of the world.
// END ACT //
In all, the same seven countries that have been on the
list of terrorist sponsoring nations since 1993 are
still on it - Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea,
Sudan and Syria. All remain subject to U-S
sanctions.
Only one country - Iraq - has ever managed to get off
the terrorist list, but was added again after Iraqi
troops invaded Kuwait. This year's report, however
makes clear a primary goal of U-S anti-terrorist
policy is letting governments know exactly what they
need to do to be removed from the list.
Officials say North Korea has been moving in the right
direction by making some positive statements
condemning terrorism in all its forms. The report
notes Syria as well has taken steps to restrain
terrorist leaders based in Damascus.
The report says casualties from terrorism fell sharply
last year, including among Americans. (SIGNED)
NEB/NJS/KBK
01-May-2000 14:32 PM EDT (01-May-2000 1832 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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